Child Burial And Cremation Fees To End In Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced that child burial and cremation fees will no longer be charged in Scotland.

The Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) have agreed to abolish child burial and cremation charges across the whole of Scotland. Whilst most local authorities have already disbanded such charges, there are a few that still have fee systems in place. This new agreement will ensure that no local authority charges for child burials or cremations.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities Angela Constance, has stated on the Scottish Government website:

“The death of a child is one of the most tragic experiences that anyone can go through.

“At such difficult times, it is important that we look to support parents and families. We have been actively looking for some time at ways in which we can further support bereaved parents in Scotland with funeral costs.

“Most local authorities do not charge child burial and cremation fees but the picture across Scotland is a mixed one, as local authorities introduce adult burial and cremation charges at different ages across the country.

“We agree with COSLA that no family should have to pay to bury or cremate their child. I am therefore delighted to confirm this agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA.”

This announcement will ensure that burial and cremation fees will be covered for children under the age of 18 years old. At the moment, many local authorities only have this in place for children under the age of 16 years old.

The Scottish Government is funding the abolition of these charges from the Social Security Budget. It is estimated that the cost of this will be in the region of £500,000 per year.

Whilst no one ever likes to think about what would happen if one of our children were to pass away, this will certainly bring further support to bereaved parents at an already difficult time.

The Scottish Government are also looking to help families with increased school uniform grants, which you can find out more about here.